Letter to the Editor: Multi-use field is good for Hamden

Published 2:38 pm, Thursday, February 11, 2016

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Letter to the Editor: Multi-use field is good for Hamden

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As a Hamden resident and mother, I write today in support of the proposal to renovate the Hamden High School baseball field into a multi-use turf field. Presently, many high school teams are bused off campus due to a lack of practice space at the high school. Hours that could be spent doing homework, working or practicing are spent on a bus instead. In addition, students injured at off-site practice facilities do not have immediate access to the trainer. Having additional practice space at the high school will improve both of these issues.

In fact, a multi-use turf field will benefit all residents, not just high school athletes. As a soccer coach, player and referee, I can tell you that the athletic fields in Hamden are in bad shape. The grass fields are overused and many of them are mostly dirt. It is impossible to grow grass on fields that are used by multiple teams all year long. Installing turf means the town can rest other fields, allowing time for the grass to grow. This will mean better facilities for everyone.

Opponents assert turf fields present health issues, but the federal and state EPAs have reviewed these claims and found there is no increased health risk. The Hamden High School football field is the same type of field that is planned for the baseball field and kids have been playing on it for years! The new field will be nothing more than an extension of what we already have.

I am sure the people opposing the field mean well, but there is no evidence that the proposed turf field will be dangerous. Renovating the baseball field to a multi-use turf field will help improve all the Hamden recreational facilities for the benefit of all our residents.